The advantages of owning a backyard pool are quite well known. Owning a pool can make your house a social hotspot while also increasing your home’s value. There are also benefits that are not so obvious; such as the health benefits owning a pool can grant your family.

If you’re still unsure whether or not you want to own a pool, perhaps you should consider these health benefits that pools offer.

Swimming is a Great Exercise:

Whether you are an aspiring Olympic swimmer or someone looking to stay fit over the summer, exercising in a pool is great for everyone! When people go for a workout at the gym, they usually skip the pool in favor of machines like an elliptical or a treadmill. While these machines are great, swimming laps in a pool is an even better workout.

Swimming is a much more intense cardio workout because you utilize many muscles that you normally wouldn’t while using a treadmill or an elliptical. In addition, a swim session can help:

Improve flexibility

Build up endurance

Strengthen muscular balance

Burn calories and lead to weight loss

Improve cardiovascular and respiratory health

So the next time you’re in the mood for a workout, skip the gym and dive into your backyard pool!

A Reduced Chance of Injury:

As you get older, your body becomes more fragile. You may experience weak knees, problems with balance, and stiff joints or muscles. By taking a splash in the pool you can exercise without stressing or hurting your body! Exercising in the pool allows the water take some of the pressure off your joints without hurting yourself!

Aside from swimming laps in your pool, you can also incorporate other exercises such as leg and arm lifts with low resistance water weights to help build your strength!

The Sun Helps Your Skin:

When you own a pool, you are more likely to be soaking up the sun outside rather than lounging around in your house. Exposure to the sun has great health benefits because it can increase your body’s level of serotonin, the hormone that makes your happy!

When you remain outside, you are also exposed to more Vitamin D. This nutrient help prevent many common skin disorders while also promoting a healthier heart. Keep in mind, however, that you must apply sunscreen if you are out in the sun for prolonged periods. Doing so will help lower your chance of sunburn.

Psychological Health:

Are you feeling down or under pressure? Are you looking for an effective way to decompress after a stressful day at work? Owning a pool can drastically improve your mood!

Spending your time relaxing in the pool can help reduce your stress and anxiety. Floating in a pool is a comforting, almost womb-like experience that is similar to yoga. Your anxiety will disappear in no time! Also, when you exercise in the pool, you are stimulating your body causing it to release endorphins from your brain!

Enjoy More Family Time:

With the abundance of technology it our world, it is easy to lose touch with others and become immersed with video games, iPads or our cellular phones. But owning a pool allows you to unplug technology and go socialize with the people you care most about.

Studies have shown that socializing regularly can reduce your chances of getting sick, and living longer. Owning a pool gives you the opportunity to relax, bond and spend quality time with your friends and family!